“We are really excited about making the finals of both awards as they represent recognition from the meat industry as well as recognition from the North East,” said Katie Cullen, who runs the shop on Wellington Street in Gateshead with partner Steven Warren.

Block and Bottle – A 2017 success story

Katie and Steven spent five weeks revamping a former vintage store near to the High Level Bridge in early 2017 ahead of “a crusade to bring great meat, charcuterie and craft beer to the people of Newcastle and Gateshead, with fully traceable produce from local and regional farms and suppliers.”

Katie said: “Some of our main aims when setting up the shop were to share good quality meat and beer, educate people about the meat industry and encourage people to eat free range meat that is locally produced.

“In August Steven was invited to the Butcher’s Manifesto in Copenhagen to discuss best practice in the meat industry with 50 people from the meat industry around the globe.

“While he was there he signed up to the manifesto which has five key aims – To honour the valuable traditions of butcher, to insist on an honest and transparent approach to meat, to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise, to represent a craft that is the joyful expression of tradition and innovation, and to lead the conversation about responsible consumption of meat.

“Our other aim is to encourage people to broaden their horizons when it comes to trying new types of beers and beers from breweries people may not have heard of before.

“To be picked as a finalist in both of these awards really encourages us to carry on what we have started.”

When are the awards?

The Butchers Shop of the Year Awards are held in London on Monday November 6, with the North East Tourism Awards on November 16 at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle.